Press Release
Council appoints new Finance Chief
James Gray
The Council has appointed James Gray, an Audit Manager with Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) as the new Executive Manager – Finance. He is expected to take up the post within the next three months, subject to his current notice period.
The appointment comes in the wake of yesterday's Accounts Commission findings, which highlighted their concerns over resources in the Finance Service and the need to make a permanent appointment to this post.
Mr Gray was in Shetland last summer, on behalf of PwC, to assist finance staff close the Council’s accounts. Speaking this morning from Lerwick, he said, “Having worked closely with staff in Finance last year, I have developed an understanding of the issues the Council has faced in preparing good quality accounts.
“I’m also very aware of the messages coming out of the recent Audit Scotland report and the challenges around delivering reductions in the budget over the next few years. I think that ensuring our financial sustainability is a key priority in order to ensure that Shetland Islands Council's reserves remain intact for future generations of Shetlanders.
"I see this as a great opportunity for me to roll up my sleeves and contribute to addressing some of these issues”.
Interim Director of Corporate Services, Brian Lawrie said, “We’re very pleased to be making this announcement. The Chief Finance Officer is such an important position in any Council, so we were acutely aware that this needed to be filled on a permanent basis. James is well known and respected for the work he did last year on the accounts, so is starting from a strong position. I'm conscious that there is a gap before he can start, owing to notice, but it's better to wait a bit longer to get the right person on board.
"As well as appointing to this position, we have recruited a Financial Accountant to lead on the work around closing the annual accounts. I am therefore very confident we are addressing the issues raised by Audit Scotland and, coupled with the actions in the Finance Service Improvement Plan, we will soon be in a much better position to meet all our financial obligations”.